The Nouveau Series: proposed by Paul Schmidt

As I experienced the instrument, I had the idea to make a series of instruments in this same style ­ use a Klein Acoustic Guitars neck and bridge and a Klein S-39.6 acoustic body-shape as the footprint for Spalt's resin-topped collage-art. I also had the idea to incorporate an important event from the end of the 19th century. Klein's acoustic guitars always made me think of Art Nouveau ­ the flowing lines of the body made me swoon from the first time I experienced them as they seemed so eloquent, timeless, and reminiscent of the Art Nouveau style. Back in the 1890s Samuel Bing ­ the earliest champion of Art Nouveau in France who owned Maison de l'Art Nouveau (a gallery that featured artists that worked in the then-new style) - commissioned Louis Comfort Tiffany (the originator of Tiffany stained glass) to produce windows to designs by nine of France's leading artists including Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and Pierre Bonnard. The windows were compelling, and I loved that idea of artists honoring other artists. I thought it would be grand to do the same with a series of guitars ­ create ten instruments patterned after my prototype that capture the artistry of important artists from the Art Nouveau period including actual works from the period.

So, this series ­ The Nouveau Series ­ is ten guitars in a Klein acoustic shape featuring bridges and necks fashioned from Brazilian rosewood by Klein Acoustic Guitars, Michael Spalt's collaged resin-topped bodies inspired by noted Art Nouveau artists featuring original pieces of Art Nouveau, custom-to-this-series David Rodgers tuners handcrafted of Sterling Silver and Mother-of-Pearl, custom-to-this-series Brazilian rosewood pickup covers housing custom Fralin pickups, all in a custom Carlton case.

Instruments will include The Tiffany which incorporates an actual piece of glass from the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany circa 1900; The Galle' features an original piece of Galle's carved glass illustrative of his highly-regarded style circa 1911

One of the most unique and beautiful expressions in the world of guitars, The Nouveau Series will be limited to a series of only 10. For greater detail you can email me at jodeeschmidt@earthlink.net, or contact Michael at info@spaltinstruments.com.

Paul Schmidt